___________

The Internet is abuzz with the Vogue cover of Caitlyn Jenner, and the way in which she's publicly sharing her personal journey of acceptance. Many commentators believe that doing so is an act of courage. Others think it's some sort of attention getting scam. Still others believe there are more important things to think about and discuss, and some believe she's going to burn for her decision to live an authentic life.

There's a lot to unpack, here.

On the Nature of Courage

First of all, let's all agree that there are many types of courage. The physical courage of first responders, military personnel in combat, and ordinary citizens who make a decision to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of others is worthy of our respect.

And then there's the kind of courage Caitlyn Jenner has shown in her transition process. Here is a human being who has decided to live an authentic life. A life of which so many people do not approve, and are not shy about communicating. A life so far removed from her previous existence she actually had to have major surgery in order to be true to her authentic self.

It's my contention that the courage of Caitlyn Jenner is as worthy of respect as any other type. Not only is she subjecting herself to numerous surgeries (and their inherent risks) in order to be her authentic self, she's facing loud and public condemnation for her choices. And she's moving forward anyway. Would you open your internal private journey to the world in such a way? I'm not sure I could, and I choose to share far more of my inner self in public than most people.

On Seeking Attention

I think it's fair to say that Caitlyn Jenner is seeking attention by being so public about her transition. Why she is being so public can be argued, although I prefer to think it's because she knows that doing so will make issues of gender identity more mainstream. If people choose to attribute cynical motives to Caitlyn, then that's their prerogative.

But please spare the world the amazing ignorance inherent in assuming that someone would actually CHANGE THEIR GENDER simply to get attention and make money. Seriously.

On the News Cycle

You know what? There are lots of things in this world that are important. That matter. That affect the lives of thousands or millions of people. As heirs of the enlightenment, we all have an obligation to approach these things in a humanistic way.

But I think people tend to fall into the moral equivalence fallacy when it comes to the type of news stories that signify significant social change. Are there events in the world that affect more people than the trans community and their families? Of course. War, food insecurity and extreme poverty come to mind. But that doesn't mean that Caitlyn's story and the trans community as a whole isn't important. It may not be important to specific individuals - in fact I'm quite sure a large portion of the population couldn't care less. And that's okay. But don't pretend that because you don't care about someone's personal story means it's irrelevant to everyone else. Your narcissism is hanging out, and it does not become you.

On Religious Objections

I love it when Christians act like...well, Christians. But if you can't, if you really can't bring yourself to mind your own damn business, then be prepared for the consequences of your free speech, including being called a bigoted asshat and being told to fuck right off with your neolithic ideas.
_______

I'm a human being with a fondness for the categorical imperative. I have a vested interest in other human beings being treated with kindness and respect. And what I've seen on social media and in some quarters of the press makes me ill. Leave the woman alone. If you're not interested in her transition, if her journey doesn't engage you, then don't read about it. Don't talk about it. Hide stories or commentary about it.

But spare us all the vitriol of your disapproval. You're outing yourself, and not in a "being your authentic self" kind of way. Or maybe you are. Which is a damn shame.

0
comments:

About Me

I am a Hot Chick living in Castle Rock, CO with my fabulous family. We have a rescue dog named "Jackson," and she's a Basenji/Shepherd mix. She's something of a head case, but we love her. I'm a U.S. Navy vet, and I currently work as an Enterprise Solutions Architect, specializing in VoIP and multimedia contact center design. I care about social justice, libraries, science, the U.S. Constitution and the military. I'm a tax and spend liberal in a largely red county, but I try not to be stabby about it. I have a little resale side business called "Alastrina Enterprises." Stupidity, cupidity and wanton assholery piss me off, and I'm more than a little soft when it comes to dogs and those who serve others. I blog about whatever I feel like. I use foul language, so if that sort of thing offends you, feel free to fuck off now - if I'm unwilling to clean up my language for my fabulous Great Auntie Margie, I'm unlikely to do so for you. Newcomers are welcome here, especially those who disagree with me, but trolling and spamming will be met with the Shovel of Doom™.